Sophia
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is charting an aggressive course for the league’s international expansion, envisioning a future where every team makes an annual pilgrimage abroad. While the tantalizing prospect of a permanent European franchise remains on the horizon, Goodell’s immediate focus is crystal clear: dramatically increasing the number of international games.
A Season of Global Showdowns
The 2025 NFL season has already underscored the league’s global ambitions. Week 1 saw the Chargers and Chiefs clash in a historic matchup in São Paulo, Brazil. This Sunday, the Steelers and Vikings will take to the hallowed grounds of Croke Park in Dublin. Beyond these, the schedule features three games in London, as well as contests in Berlin and Madrid.
However, Goodell’s vision extends far beyond the current slate. He aims to more than double this number in the coming years, with an audacious target of 16 international games per season, ensuring every NFL team experiences a neutral-site contest abroad.
Strategic Expansion: From Australia to Asia
The league’s owners have already given the green light to eight international games, and the NFL is set to make its highly anticipated debut in Australia next year. Following this milestone, Goodell has his sights firmly set on Asia, signaling a truly global reach for America’s most popular sport.
The push for 16 international games carries significant logistical and strategic implications. With the current 17-game schedule, this format would ingeniously balance each team’s schedule with eight home and eight away games, plus one neutral-site international contest.
The 18-Game Schedule: A Separate Battle
While the international expansion gains traction, Goodell also continues to advocate for an 18-game regular season schedule. This move, however, would inevitably disrupt the balanced scheduling alignment provided by 16 international games and is expected to ignite a significant battle with the NFL Players Association (NFLPA).
Overwhelming Support from Teams
Goodell expressed confidence in the widespread support for the expanded international slate, contrasting it with the initial skepticism surrounding regular season games abroad. “When we first came up with the idea of [an international] regular season game, I didn’t think there would be as much support,” Goodell told CNBC this week. “But now, every team wants to do it. We don’t have to talk them into it. They’re asking us.”
This enthusiastic buy-in from franchises underscores the growing appeal and financial benefits of tapping into new global markets, solidifying the NFL’s position as a truly international sports phenomenon.
